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The Sunflower Field: A dark and twisty crime thriller that packs an emotional punch
The BRAND-NEW gripping police procedural from the bestselling author of
The Kat and Mouse Murder Mysteries
.
DS Sally Stevenson knows how quickly violence can change a life.
When she's called to the hospital after a brutal assault, the victim refuses to name her attacker. Alice Jackson is desperate to move on, convinced that speaking out will only make things worse. But Sally has seen too many cases like this to believe it will end quietly…
Months later, a devastating incident shatters everything Alice has fought to rebuild. What first appears to be a tragic accident soon raises troubling questions – and Sally finds herself leading an investigation that feels all too personal.
As the case deepens, secrets reveal a chain of events driven by control, fear and revenge. And when another death follows, Sally realises this is no coincidence. Someone is hiding the truth.
With lives destroyed and the past refusing to stay buried, Sally must uncover what really happened… before those responsible slip away for good. But in a case where emotions run deep, the truth may come at a devastating cost.
The Sunflower Field is a powerful and gripping crime thriller about the consequences of violence, perfect for fans of Angela Marsons and K.L. Slater.
DS Sally Stevenson knows how quickly violence can change a life.
When she's called to the hospital after a brutal assault, the victim refuses to name her attacker. Alice Jackson is desperate to move on, convinced that speaking out will only make things worse. But Sally has seen too many cases like this to believe it will end quietly…
Months later, a devastating incident shatters everything Alice has fought to rebuild. What first appears to be a tragic accident soon raises troubling questions – and Sally finds herself leading an investigation that feels all too personal.
As the case deepens, secrets reveal a chain of events driven by control, fear and revenge. And when another death follows, Sally realises this is no coincidence. Someone is hiding the truth.
With lives destroyed and the past refusing to stay buried, Sally must uncover what really happened… before those responsible slip away for good. But in a case where emotions run deep, the truth may come at a devastating cost.
The Sunflower Field is a powerful and gripping crime thriller about the consequences of violence, perfect for fans of Angela Marsons and K.L. Slater.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2026
About the author
Anita Waller
38 books485 followersI live in Sheffield, UK. I am retired and have recently fulfilled my lifelong ambition of becoming a published author with Bloodhound Books.
I am married (almost 50 years to Dave) with three children and seven grandchildren.
I am a patchwork and quilting tutor as well as a writer.
My first book was Beautiful and my second, a sequel to Beautiful, is called Angel.
I am married (almost 50 years to Dave) with three children and seven grandchildren.
I am a patchwork and quilting tutor as well as a writer.
My first book was Beautiful and my second, a sequel to Beautiful, is called Angel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 25, 2026
As with all of this writer’s books, The Sunflower Field promised so much and boy did it deliver!
When DS Sally Stevenson is called into hospital to speak to the victim of a brutal attack, she soon becomes involved in the life of Alice Jackson and her family, with strong attachments formed. But when suspicions are raised regarding a terrible and tragic event, she knows that this is personal and the need to discover the truth is her single focus. This is a dark tale and at times very disturbing, as the events leading up to the tragedy paint a truly horrifying tale of control, revenge and as I read on, a disturbing idea of what some people will do for a friend. Sally is a wonderful character as I got the impression that before she met Alice, her mother and her aunt, her life was quite lonely, so I loved reading how their friendship grows. And I can only sum Alice’s mam and aunt up as awesome, especially the banter between them.
The Sunflower Field is another brilliant book by Anita which really put me through the emotional wringer. And I loved every moment.
When DS Sally Stevenson is called into hospital to speak to the victim of a brutal attack, she soon becomes involved in the life of Alice Jackson and her family, with strong attachments formed. But when suspicions are raised regarding a terrible and tragic event, she knows that this is personal and the need to discover the truth is her single focus. This is a dark tale and at times very disturbing, as the events leading up to the tragedy paint a truly horrifying tale of control, revenge and as I read on, a disturbing idea of what some people will do for a friend. Sally is a wonderful character as I got the impression that before she met Alice, her mother and her aunt, her life was quite lonely, so I loved reading how their friendship grows. And I can only sum Alice’s mam and aunt up as awesome, especially the banter between them.
The Sunflower Field is another brilliant book by Anita which really put me through the emotional wringer. And I loved every moment.
August 29, 2026
This is a police procedural based in Sheffield, and follows DS Sally Stevenson and her team. Sally and her partner are called out to an incident of domestic violence. They meet Alice at the hospital where it is clear she has been subjected to a brutal attack by her partner Dom, but she refuses to press charges, she just wants to forget it and get on with her life, but this is just the start.
Usually this type of book follows a set format, it focuses on the police officers and their case, however Anita has flipped it on its head and split the time between them and Alice and her family, in fact most of the focus is definitely on Alice. We get to know her, her family, her friends, and they are so much more than faceless victims, they are friends, neighbours.
Now it takes a lot to surprise me but let me tell you that there are so many in this book that my jaw hit the floor with a gasp, yes an actual out loud gasp, multiple times, I had to keep putting it down and just sit with it for a moment, that or I couldn’t read the words through my tears! I’m not sure if its the fact that I have experienced profound loss and the other say would have been my brother’s birthday so was feeling a little emotionally fragile when reading this, or maybe the fact that I was a victim of domestic violence in my late teens by my then partner, or what, but my got did this one hit hard.
The plot is fab, the writing style is so engaging, it’s got perfect pace, the characters are so well developed they could easily be people I know. Anita’s ability at making them human, emotional, complex, flawed, even the good guys, is enviable. I think my favourite is probably Denise, Alice’s aunt, she was a hoot. And the worse by far is Dom, he is a complete cretin. I’m not proud but I did wish the pox (among other things) on him multiple times!
This is an emotional rollercoaster and Anita is not afraid to go dark! Whilst this book broke me, ripped my heart out and made me ugly cry more times than I can count, my god it was an awesome read! I spend my time reeling through emotions from fear, to anger, joy, happiness, grief, and back again. Ultimately this is a story about love, friendship, loss and revenge. Anita’s skill at writing loss and grief from multiple view points was outstanding and really hit home.
Five stars from me are as rare as hen’s teeth and something I rarely give, but this book deserves each and every one of them. I really hope this is the start of a series and I know that multiple bingeing sessions of Anita’s back catalogue are in my future. I would highly, highly recommend.
Usually this type of book follows a set format, it focuses on the police officers and their case, however Anita has flipped it on its head and split the time between them and Alice and her family, in fact most of the focus is definitely on Alice. We get to know her, her family, her friends, and they are so much more than faceless victims, they are friends, neighbours.
Now it takes a lot to surprise me but let me tell you that there are so many in this book that my jaw hit the floor with a gasp, yes an actual out loud gasp, multiple times, I had to keep putting it down and just sit with it for a moment, that or I couldn’t read the words through my tears! I’m not sure if its the fact that I have experienced profound loss and the other say would have been my brother’s birthday so was feeling a little emotionally fragile when reading this, or maybe the fact that I was a victim of domestic violence in my late teens by my then partner, or what, but my got did this one hit hard.
The plot is fab, the writing style is so engaging, it’s got perfect pace, the characters are so well developed they could easily be people I know. Anita’s ability at making them human, emotional, complex, flawed, even the good guys, is enviable. I think my favourite is probably Denise, Alice’s aunt, she was a hoot. And the worse by far is Dom, he is a complete cretin. I’m not proud but I did wish the pox (among other things) on him multiple times!
This is an emotional rollercoaster and Anita is not afraid to go dark! Whilst this book broke me, ripped my heart out and made me ugly cry more times than I can count, my god it was an awesome read! I spend my time reeling through emotions from fear, to anger, joy, happiness, grief, and back again. Ultimately this is a story about love, friendship, loss and revenge. Anita’s skill at writing loss and grief from multiple view points was outstanding and really hit home.
Five stars from me are as rare as hen’s teeth and something I rarely give, but this book deserves each and every one of them. I really hope this is the start of a series and I know that multiple bingeing sessions of Anita’s back catalogue are in my future. I would highly, highly recommend.
August 31, 2026
I received this as a ARC in exchange for my honest review.
What an emotional, gripping and incredibly thought-provoking read!
The Sunflower Field might be a police procedural, but at its heart this is a story about the devastating consequences of control, fear and violence — and the ripple effect one person’s actions can have on so many lives.
DS Sally Stevenson is called to the hospital after Alice Jackson is brutally assaulted, but Alice refuses to name her attacker. She just wants to put what happened behind her and move on with her life. Sally, however, knows only too well that situations like this rarely end so easily.
Months later, tragedy strikes and everything Alice has tried so desperately to rebuild comes crashing down. What initially appears to be a terrible accident soon begins to raise questions, and Sally finds herself drawn into an investigation that becomes increasingly complex — and painfully personal.
I absolutely loved Sally as a character. She’s compassionate and determined, but there’s also a vulnerability to her that made her feel incredibly real. I particularly enjoyed seeing the human side of the investigation alongside the police work rather than simply moving from clue to clue.
This was such a cleverly layered story. Every time I thought I understood where things were heading, another piece of information shifted my perspective. The themes surrounding coercive control and domestic abuse made parts of the story difficult and heartbreaking to read, but they were handled with sensitivity while still showing just how far-reaching the consequences can be.
And then the investigation really begins to unravel…
Secrets. Revenge. Multiple deaths. People hiding the truth. I was completely invested and desperate to discover exactly how everything connected.
Anita Waller has created a police procedural that feels incredibly character-driven, emotional and human. The mystery kept me turning the pages, but it was the characters and the emotional weight behind the case that really stayed with me.
Gripping, heartbreaking and packed with secrets, The Sunflower Field completely pulled me in.
A very easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me — and I would absolutely love to read more of DS Sally Stevenson!
What an emotional, gripping and incredibly thought-provoking read!
The Sunflower Field might be a police procedural, but at its heart this is a story about the devastating consequences of control, fear and violence — and the ripple effect one person’s actions can have on so many lives.
DS Sally Stevenson is called to the hospital after Alice Jackson is brutally assaulted, but Alice refuses to name her attacker. She just wants to put what happened behind her and move on with her life. Sally, however, knows only too well that situations like this rarely end so easily.
Months later, tragedy strikes and everything Alice has tried so desperately to rebuild comes crashing down. What initially appears to be a terrible accident soon begins to raise questions, and Sally finds herself drawn into an investigation that becomes increasingly complex — and painfully personal.
I absolutely loved Sally as a character. She’s compassionate and determined, but there’s also a vulnerability to her that made her feel incredibly real. I particularly enjoyed seeing the human side of the investigation alongside the police work rather than simply moving from clue to clue.
This was such a cleverly layered story. Every time I thought I understood where things were heading, another piece of information shifted my perspective. The themes surrounding coercive control and domestic abuse made parts of the story difficult and heartbreaking to read, but they were handled with sensitivity while still showing just how far-reaching the consequences can be.
And then the investigation really begins to unravel…
Secrets. Revenge. Multiple deaths. People hiding the truth. I was completely invested and desperate to discover exactly how everything connected.
Anita Waller has created a police procedural that feels incredibly character-driven, emotional and human. The mystery kept me turning the pages, but it was the characters and the emotional weight behind the case that really stayed with me.
Gripping, heartbreaking and packed with secrets, The Sunflower Field completely pulled me in.
A very easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me — and I would absolutely love to read more of DS Sally Stevenson!
August 25, 2026
Alice Jackson probably always new deep down her boyfriend Dominic Sutherland had a nasty side and some very unsavoury friends but even she didn’t expect his reaction when she told him she was pregnant, viciously kicking her in the stomach and punching her face. Even so, all she wants is him out of her life and refuses to press charges when DS Sally Stevenson interviews her in hospital. She moves in with her mother Katie and Auntie Denise, both wonderful caring widowed women and after the shock of finding she is expecting twins, gives birth to two gorgeous baby boys. Sally has become a close family friend and together with Alice’s best mate Imogen is given the honour of becoming a godmother. The months roll on but one day Alice has a threatening encounter with Dom at a retail park. He’s still working at the car showroom but reduced to living in a campervan as not even his own mother will have him and is still full of venom towards her and the babies he wants nothing to do with, while life is looking good for the ladies and a happy ending is on the cards. That is, until tragedy strikes and the beautiful sunflower field that Alice once adored becomes a scene of horror and bloodshed. Sally is determined to be in charge of the case and has to hide her close links and love for the family in order to do so, but with DC Paul Carter’s help she is determined to get justice. Their best suspect has a strong alibi but who else could have committed such an awful deed? And is the arrival of another murder linked to their case?
This is a story which is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time as this super talented author weaves a tale full of immediately loveable characters who you’d want for your best mate and also some despicable baddies where every time a character left the house I was terrified for their safety! One part of the crime is already well known to the reader but the mystery over the other part is kept up right until the very satisfying ending. I thought I had a good suspect in mind but once again, this twisty and thoroughly engrossing story had me fooled! Beautifully crafted and highly recommended.
This is a story which is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time as this super talented author weaves a tale full of immediately loveable characters who you’d want for your best mate and also some despicable baddies where every time a character left the house I was terrified for their safety! One part of the crime is already well known to the reader but the mystery over the other part is kept up right until the very satisfying ending. I thought I had a good suspect in mind but once again, this twisty and thoroughly engrossing story had me fooled! Beautifully crafted and highly recommended.
August 28, 2026
This is a gripping police procedural thriller that really keeps you turning the pages and I definitely want to read more from this author.
After being brutally assaulted, Alice Jackson refuses to name her attacker through fear of further retribution and tries to move on with her life with the help and support of mum Katie and aunt Denise. DS Sally Stevenson, while wishing Alice would press charges, knows it's not her decision but the events stay on her radar. As time moves on, further events affect the lives of these women and they become linked forever.
This was so powerful, there were times I had my hands in the air shouting 'no!' as events unfolded, prompting questions of 'are you ok?' So I'm glad I was reading it at home! I love a book with that kind of power!
While the subject matter is distressing, the developments between the characters are so heartwarming you can really feel it through the writing. I had a definite sense of unease as I was reading, I could really feel we were building up to something but I had no idea what it was going to be!
The Sunflower Field is a beautifully significant part of the story, bringing up lots of different emotions and I think it works wonderfully.
I feel there is much more to DS Stevenson and I'll be checking out more of the author's books for any other characters like these. I've definitely found a new author to add to my list!
You may need tissues, you may need to sit quietly afterwards, but this is a definite must read if it's your kind of book and one I have no hesitation in recommending.
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After being brutally assaulted, Alice Jackson refuses to name her attacker through fear of further retribution and tries to move on with her life with the help and support of mum Katie and aunt Denise. DS Sally Stevenson, while wishing Alice would press charges, knows it's not her decision but the events stay on her radar. As time moves on, further events affect the lives of these women and they become linked forever.
This was so powerful, there were times I had my hands in the air shouting 'no!' as events unfolded, prompting questions of 'are you ok?' So I'm glad I was reading it at home! I love a book with that kind of power!
While the subject matter is distressing, the developments between the characters are so heartwarming you can really feel it through the writing. I had a definite sense of unease as I was reading, I could really feel we were building up to something but I had no idea what it was going to be!
The Sunflower Field is a beautifully significant part of the story, bringing up lots of different emotions and I think it works wonderfully.
I feel there is much more to DS Stevenson and I'll be checking out more of the author's books for any other characters like these. I've definitely found a new author to add to my list!
You may need tissues, you may need to sit quietly afterwards, but this is a definite must read if it's your kind of book and one I have no hesitation in recommending.
Ad|PR
August 31, 2026
Anita Waller is one of my absolute favourite authors and I can honestly say that not one of her books has ever disappointed me and this latest one is no exception.
Alice is cooking a special meal ready for when her boyfriend, Dom, arrives home for work. She has something to tell him. But the meal doesn't go according to plan and Alice finds herself in hospital after being brutally attacked. DS Sally Stevenson gets the call to attend the hospital and take a statement from Alice but when they arrive Alice is adamant she does not want to press charges and Sally finds herself powerless. She nonetheless vows to keep an eye on Alice and ensure that this will never happen again.
Months later and Alice has moved on with her life and she is the happiest she has been but a terrible tragedy changes all of that. Sally vows to find the truth and bring those responsible to justice.
This is an emotional rollercoaster of a book. There are plenty of twists and turns and some absolutely heartbreaking parts to this book but it is a book you will not want to put down. Although tackling some tough subjects this is a book not to be missed. So well written with a brilliant plot and some great characters. Although this is a police procedural book it is so much more than that, the depth of the characters and the emotions within the pages are a testament to the very talented Anita. I am absolutely looking forward to the next book by Anita.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books and Anita Waller for a digital copy of this book.
Alice is cooking a special meal ready for when her boyfriend, Dom, arrives home for work. She has something to tell him. But the meal doesn't go according to plan and Alice finds herself in hospital after being brutally attacked. DS Sally Stevenson gets the call to attend the hospital and take a statement from Alice but when they arrive Alice is adamant she does not want to press charges and Sally finds herself powerless. She nonetheless vows to keep an eye on Alice and ensure that this will never happen again.
Months later and Alice has moved on with her life and she is the happiest she has been but a terrible tragedy changes all of that. Sally vows to find the truth and bring those responsible to justice.
This is an emotional rollercoaster of a book. There are plenty of twists and turns and some absolutely heartbreaking parts to this book but it is a book you will not want to put down. Although tackling some tough subjects this is a book not to be missed. So well written with a brilliant plot and some great characters. Although this is a police procedural book it is so much more than that, the depth of the characters and the emotions within the pages are a testament to the very talented Anita. I am absolutely looking forward to the next book by Anita.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books and Anita Waller for a digital copy of this book.
August 31, 2026
The Sunflower Field by Anita Waller was another beautifully written book, that will grab you from the very first few pages. Every book I have read by Anita has been a 5⭐️ read and this latest book was no different and I loved learning more about this new character DS Sally Stevenson.
When DS Sally Stevenson was called to the hospital after a brutal assault and she is more than aware how this could change someone's life so quickly. But the victim Alice Jackson refuses to name her attacker! especially as Alice is so desperate to move on, convinced that speaking out will only make things worse. But Sally has seen too many cases like this to believe it will end quietly…
Now Months have passed and another devastating incident shatters everything Alice has fought to rebuild around her. What first appears to be a tragic accident soon raises troubling questions.
Now, Sally finds herself leading an investigation that feels all too personal, But Why?
As this case deepens, and deep secrets reveals a chain of events driven by control, fear and revenge.
Then, another death follows, Sally realises this is no coincidence. Someone is hiding the truth but
Who are they?
WoW this was a twisty read and an excellent one. I highly recommend this latest book by Anita.
Another 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ read. I ❤️ it.
When DS Sally Stevenson was called to the hospital after a brutal assault and she is more than aware how this could change someone's life so quickly. But the victim Alice Jackson refuses to name her attacker! especially as Alice is so desperate to move on, convinced that speaking out will only make things worse. But Sally has seen too many cases like this to believe it will end quietly…
Now Months have passed and another devastating incident shatters everything Alice has fought to rebuild around her. What first appears to be a tragic accident soon raises troubling questions.
Now, Sally finds herself leading an investigation that feels all too personal, But Why?
As this case deepens, and deep secrets reveals a chain of events driven by control, fear and revenge.
Then, another death follows, Sally realises this is no coincidence. Someone is hiding the truth but
Who are they?
WoW this was a twisty read and an excellent one. I highly recommend this latest book by Anita.
Another 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ read. I ❤️ it.
August 26, 2026
Thank you LBT for having me on this book review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub.
Holy cow. What a read. I absolutely devoured this book. From the beginning to the end I was hooked. I legit couldn’t sleep. I had to keep reading.
I mean this book just starts out so good and keeps going it holds the wow the entire book.
We follow DS Sally Stevenson when she shows up to the hospital to speak to a woman of a brutal attack Alice Jackson. Well DS Stevenson soon becomes very involved in Alice’s life and forms a friendship and is attached in her life in more ways than one.
I just loved how focused DS Stevenson was though and she wanted to get to the bottom of it all.
Gosh this was a dark and twisty book probably one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.
I legit at times was screaming out loud like what are you doing so many emotions. And it really is crazy the lengths people will go for a friend.
Oh did I mention how much I love Alice’s mom and aunt and the banter was just so natural. Reminded me of my mom and her sister when they were together.
Overall this was a fantastic read and I can’t wait to check out more by this author. I hope an audio book will come out cause that would be so good !! I need more.
Best read ever !!!
Holy cow. What a read. I absolutely devoured this book. From the beginning to the end I was hooked. I legit couldn’t sleep. I had to keep reading.
I mean this book just starts out so good and keeps going it holds the wow the entire book.
We follow DS Sally Stevenson when she shows up to the hospital to speak to a woman of a brutal attack Alice Jackson. Well DS Stevenson soon becomes very involved in Alice’s life and forms a friendship and is attached in her life in more ways than one.
I just loved how focused DS Stevenson was though and she wanted to get to the bottom of it all.
Gosh this was a dark and twisty book probably one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.
I legit at times was screaming out loud like what are you doing so many emotions. And it really is crazy the lengths people will go for a friend.
Oh did I mention how much I love Alice’s mom and aunt and the banter was just so natural. Reminded me of my mom and her sister when they were together.
Overall this was a fantastic read and I can’t wait to check out more by this author. I hope an audio book will come out cause that would be so good !! I need more.
Best read ever !!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh wow! A book that starts as a domestic drama and turns into something more- so much more. One I really couldn’t put down. Alice has announced to her boyfriend Dom, that she is pregnant, having set the scene with a nice meal, candles etc. Dominic turns on her and beats her trying to cause her to abort the unborn child. Alice survives as do the twins it is found she is carrying, but she doesn't want to press charges knowing that there would be severe retaliations so moves into her mothers house where her aunt also lives and ups the security. Suddenly there is a major shift in a family drama, one that took me by surprise , so cleverly crafted and kept me immersed. This really was one of those “ just one more chapter” reads- I was truly hooked.
A scintillating read by a master of the hook and drama. It made me smile and wince and pretty much every emotion therein. Wonderfully thought out with lots of human touches to make this so realistic and that feeling of care in some of the characters, you feel you could know them.
A magnificent work, one I more than highly recommend- only don’t try to get anything else done once you’ve started it!
A scintillating read by a master of the hook and drama. It made me smile and wince and pretty much every emotion therein. Wonderfully thought out with lots of human touches to make this so realistic and that feeling of care in some of the characters, you feel you could know them.
A magnificent work, one I more than highly recommend- only don’t try to get anything else done once you’ve started it!
September 2, 2026
First of all I hate that the 'bad guy' in this book is called Dominic, because that's my son's name, and he's lovely! But of course all book villians share their names with
real life people, and this is a lighthearted moan as it didn't affect my enjoyment at all.
So, on to that. Wow. What a gripping thriller this was. I really loved getting to know Alice and the babies and the build up to the crime was perfect. Often the crime happens so early on that I don't really connect with the victim, I suppose because the book is about the crime more than the people, but I love that this book firmly placed the characters front and centre. Having said that, the crime wasn't the one I expected! I can't say more as I keep my reviews spoiler free.
The final twist didn't come as a shock to me personally, I had guessed it already, but it was still a brilliant ending.
I'm not sure that I've ever read books by Waller before, but I'll certainly be correcting that. If this one is anything to go by I've got some fantastic books ahead of me.
real life people, and this is a lighthearted moan as it didn't affect my enjoyment at all.
So, on to that. Wow. What a gripping thriller this was. I really loved getting to know Alice and the babies and the build up to the crime was perfect. Often the crime happens so early on that I don't really connect with the victim, I suppose because the book is about the crime more than the people, but I love that this book firmly placed the characters front and centre. Having said that, the crime wasn't the one I expected! I can't say more as I keep my reviews spoiler free.
The final twist didn't come as a shock to me personally, I had guessed it already, but it was still a brilliant ending.
I'm not sure that I've ever read books by Waller before, but I'll certainly be correcting that. If this one is anything to go by I've got some fantastic books ahead of me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love Anita Waller’s books as she really gets to the heart of the characters and makes you like them, not if they are the bad guys, of course.
There are some particular nasty villains in this one and be warned that it does cover domestic violence.
However, Alice Jackson shows herself to be a resilient woman after facing a devastating attack and with the help of her mother, Aunt Denise and DS Sally Stevenson she starts to rebuild her life. I loved the female solidarity.
As tragedy strikes the family the obvious suspect can’t possibly be in the frame but with excellent teamwork from the police, part of the case is solved. There is one crime where questions are left unanswered. It’s only in the epilogue that the whole truth is revealed and there is a satisfactory though shocking conclusion.
Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for an advanced reading copy in return for an honest review.
There are some particular nasty villains in this one and be warned that it does cover domestic violence.
However, Alice Jackson shows herself to be a resilient woman after facing a devastating attack and with the help of her mother, Aunt Denise and DS Sally Stevenson she starts to rebuild her life. I loved the female solidarity.
As tragedy strikes the family the obvious suspect can’t possibly be in the frame but with excellent teamwork from the police, part of the case is solved. There is one crime where questions are left unanswered. It’s only in the epilogue that the whole truth is revealed and there is a satisfactory though shocking conclusion.
Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for an advanced reading copy in return for an honest review.
August 31, 2026
Anita Waller is one of my favourite authors, I’ve read all of her novels and this one doesn’t disappoint. The sunflower field, well named as it was Ali’s favourite place. Ali was in a relationship with Dominic a car salesman. When Ali told him that she was pregnant he beat her badly, He left her in the house her grandmother left her and she went to live with her mother Katie and her aunt Denise. She stayed until her babies were born, having been told she was having twins, life was good and they had a friend in Sally the Detective sergeant who wanted to arrest Dominic, but Ali, fearing for her life declined it. However her mother Katie never forgot what Ali had been through. When the babies were born Sally was their godmother. Eli and Ezra, and Ali walking one night near the sunflower field, and something happened which changed everyone around them. 5 stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The story is centred around Ali and her family and begins with her fleeing from an abusive relationship.
After being left badly beaten the Police try and persuade her to press charges, but Ali wants to forget about Dom.
Sally leaves her details with the family as she wants to ensure they are not contacted by him again.
It took me a while to get into this book as the first quarter of the book was a bit slow.
Without spoiling it for you, there’s some serious incidents that take place and Sally is on hand for the family.
Whilst I understood her need to stay close to them, I think it was a bit over the top and unrealistic that she’d be the lead Detective in such a scenario.
This was a good read but not one of my favourites from this author.
After being left badly beaten the Police try and persuade her to press charges, but Ali wants to forget about Dom.
Sally leaves her details with the family as she wants to ensure they are not contacted by him again.
It took me a while to get into this book as the first quarter of the book was a bit slow.
Without spoiling it for you, there’s some serious incidents that take place and Sally is on hand for the family.
Whilst I understood her need to stay close to them, I think it was a bit over the top and unrealistic that she’d be the lead Detective in such a scenario.
This was a good read but not one of my favourites from this author.
August 25, 2026
This book starts off as a slow burning domestic drama featuring Alice who was involved in an abusive relationship, her mother, aunt and DS Sally Stevenson. DS Stevenson becomes a firm family friend after attending hospital to Alice who had been seriously assaulted once too often but refused to press charges for fear of further assaults.
Once you got to know all the family and their surroundings the story exploded into action in a way that I was not expecting. Thereafter Sally Stevenson had to become more a police sergeant investigating a very serious crime whilst not letting her friendship cloud her decisions or the investigations.
After a slow start this book became exciting with a few twists and turns that were unexpected.
Once you got to know all the family and their surroundings the story exploded into action in a way that I was not expecting. Thereafter Sally Stevenson had to become more a police sergeant investigating a very serious crime whilst not letting her friendship cloud her decisions or the investigations.
After a slow start this book became exciting with a few twists and turns that were unexpected.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is a thoroughly enjoyable, well written, gripping, page-turner of a read, from start to finish. And what a finish.
Reading this book, brought a roller-coaster of emotions, with the captivating story and plot.
I absolutely loved it. There's plenty of revelations and twists and turns.
In one part, I found myself shouting at the author, in my head and with tears in my eyes.
"Why did you do that"?
I love the author's books and look forward to reading more. I definitely would recommend this book to others.
My thanks to the author and Bloodhound books, for the advanced copy.
This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
Reading this book, brought a roller-coaster of emotions, with the captivating story and plot.
I absolutely loved it. There's plenty of revelations and twists and turns.
In one part, I found myself shouting at the author, in my head and with tears in my eyes.
"Why did you do that"?
I love the author's books and look forward to reading more. I definitely would recommend this book to others.
My thanks to the author and Bloodhound books, for the advanced copy.
This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
Review of advance copy
The Sunflower Field was a crime thriller that began slow, but when things picked up...they really picked up.
After Sally begins looking for the killer in the act of a triple homicide. she believes she has one killer to find. But after a man connected to the case is murdered, the investigation takes a shocking turn and now Sally is juggling two interconnected cases.
The Story does a fantastic job of keeping the tension in the story. Especially, With the way Sally searches for a killer while you yourself are trying to piece together an unknown killer makes the book hard to put down and when you find out who done it... it doesnt just surprise you but gives you a sense of relief.
After Sally begins looking for the killer in the act of a triple homicide. she believes she has one killer to find. But after a man connected to the case is murdered, the investigation takes a shocking turn and now Sally is juggling two interconnected cases.
The Story does a fantastic job of keeping the tension in the story. Especially, With the way Sally searches for a killer while you yourself are trying to piece together an unknown killer makes the book hard to put down and when you find out who done it... it doesnt just surprise you but gives you a sense of relief.
August 25, 2026
A desperately sad police procedural. A hit and run and then a murder leave the police with an idea of why but not yet the who!
Ali doesn't really stand a chance in this although you get a glimmer of hope as she battles on and remains steadfast in her resolve to look after her twin boys. Life isn't kind and things don't always go the way we want them too.
Sally's task is to unpick the crimes that are a little close to home for her. She's got a good idea who the culprit is although it takes a while to piece it all together.
Katie and Denise have my sympathies in this and ultimately my understanding. They've lost a lot but remain committed to supporting each other through.
Ali doesn't really stand a chance in this although you get a glimmer of hope as she battles on and remains steadfast in her resolve to look after her twin boys. Life isn't kind and things don't always go the way we want them too.
Sally's task is to unpick the crimes that are a little close to home for her. She's got a good idea who the culprit is although it takes a while to piece it all together.
Katie and Denise have my sympathies in this and ultimately my understanding. They've lost a lot but remain committed to supporting each other through.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book was enjoyable, but for me just lacked something that would have made me love it.
It feels like there are a few separate stories going on, Ali's then Sally's with Katie and Denise featuring throughout, and for me it all felt a little bit disjointed.
It's hard to tell much without giving spoilers away, but I guessed the twist, but would have liked it explained better than I felt it was..it felt a bit like just a tag at the end.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.
It feels like there are a few separate stories going on, Ali's then Sally's with Katie and Denise featuring throughout, and for me it all felt a little bit disjointed.
It's hard to tell much without giving spoilers away, but I guessed the twist, but would have liked it explained better than I felt it was..it felt a bit like just a tag at the end.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.
Review of advance copy
This is a shocking story about domestic violence and the spread of misogyny. There is almost a naivety to the style, which I appreciated. The story unfolds in a straightforward and factual manner. It doesn’t jump around in time, though it told through the viewpoint of various narrators. I was shocked by developments, and wanted justice for the victims. The police officer was even more determined to see that justice was done, even though this could have compromised her own position. The final twist was satisfying. A well written and rather unusual novel, which I enjoyed.
August 27, 2026
Wow! What a pageturner! This was a police procedural done well - build up before the major crime happened, emotion, detectives who put their everything into solving the case - making it a story that you don’t want to put down until it’s over. And I loved the relationship between Kathy and Denise as well as them with Ali - the inside jokes, the banter, but also the love. Oh, and the story behind The Sunflower Field. It’ll bring tears to your eyes! The Sunflower Field, the book, is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Overall I enjoyed The Sunflower Field by Anita Walller.
I didn’t think it was her best book as I found the start of the book very slow however when it did pick up some pace I started really enjoying it.
It has some good characters but some of the police procedures were a bit lacking and a bit naive in part but overall it was a fun read.
I’m not sure if in real life the ending of this story would be possible though.
I didn’t think it was her best book as I found the start of the book very slow however when it did pick up some pace I started really enjoying it.
It has some good characters but some of the police procedures were a bit lacking and a bit naive in part but overall it was a fun read.
I’m not sure if in real life the ending of this story would be possible though.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thoroughly enjoyed this!
The Sunflower Field follows DS Sally Stevenson as she is called to the scene of a domestic assault. She meets the victim, Alice, who refuses to press charges, but Sally will not rest until this man is punished. A heartbreaking incident occurs, followed by a local murder, and Sally and her team leave no stone unturned to find who is responsible.
Couldn’t put it down, loved the characters, the pacing, and it kept me guessing until the end!
The Sunflower Field follows DS Sally Stevenson as she is called to the scene of a domestic assault. She meets the victim, Alice, who refuses to press charges, but Sally will not rest until this man is punished. A heartbreaking incident occurs, followed by a local murder, and Sally and her team leave no stone unturned to find who is responsible.
Couldn’t put it down, loved the characters, the pacing, and it kept me guessing until the end!
August 25, 2026
Having been a fan of Anita since she first started writing. I was so excited to read this one.
Although this story includes domestic violence, I found myself caring about most of the characters. Loved Sally and her relationship with Ali, her mum and aunt.
I wasn't happy about the accident in the story, but I was willing to see Sally and Paul find the villain.
Anita weaves a brilliant tale as always, and I was so disappointed when I finished.
Another 5 stars.
Although this story includes domestic violence, I found myself caring about most of the characters. Loved Sally and her relationship with Ali, her mum and aunt.
I wasn't happy about the accident in the story, but I was willing to see Sally and Paul find the villain.
Anita weaves a brilliant tale as always, and I was so disappointed when I finished.
Another 5 stars.
August 27, 2026
The Sunflower Field by Anita Waller is very dark, emotional and full of twists and turns.
A young woman finds she is pregnant and when she tells her partner he beats and kicks her, hoping to get rid of the pregnancy.
Ali, the young woman stays with her mother and aunt, which she will need their help when she has twins.
Then the storyline goes dark, with a hit and run accident and then later a murder.
Highly recommend
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July 24, 2026This was a fairly emotional read. It starts off with Ali telling her boyfriend Dom that she is expecting his baby and what follows is a rollercoaster of emotions that left me feeling drained and devastated.
Anita Waller has the gift of creating dark stories that you can't put down until you know that it's all been resolved. Brilliant seat of your pants reading.
Anita Waller has the gift of creating dark stories that you can't put down until you know that it's all been resolved. Brilliant seat of your pants reading.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A bit of a slow start to this police procedural but the pace and the atmosphere soon picked up. I liked the characters, especially Alice, although they didn't quite feel real and felt a bit disjointed at times. It is quite an emotional read, showing the good and bad sides of humans. Overall, a decent read but not the best by the author.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is an emotional book that begins with a domestic drama feel to it but ends up much more. I did find it slow at the beginning and it took quite a while for things to escalate but boy, did they ever!
The whole storyline is quite emotional. While we know who is really involved, I enjoyed how the police gradually figured things out and another crime throws a spanner in the works. A nice reveal at the end rounded things off perfectly.
The whole storyline is quite emotional. While we know who is really involved, I enjoyed how the police gradually figured things out and another crime throws a spanner in the works. A nice reveal at the end rounded things off perfectly.
Review of advance copy
Wow, this book is so enjoyable . It starts off as a domestic violence tale but then develops in to so much more. This is a gritty dark thriller that really packs a punch.
This book grips you from page one and then spits you out at the end. This is so well written you find yourself saying just one more page and before you know it , you’ve finished the book.
Well worth a read.
This book grips you from page one and then spits you out at the end. This is so well written you find yourself saying just one more page and before you know it , you’ve finished the book.
Well worth a read.
August 25, 2026
As always a great read from the author, a well written storyline that grabbed my interest from the start. A rollercoaster of emotions for this one, laughter, love but also anger, tears, frustration it’s got it all. An absolute belter of a book. I won’t rehash the storyline for my review but read the blurb it will be enough to peak your interest.
August 29, 2026
I mostly enjoyed this murder mystery but was struck by its repetition. The writing seemed almost amateurish. You know that feeling you get when the leader of a meeting recaps everything that’s happened so far just for the sake of a latecomer? That’s how I felt—like every detail was repeated needlessly.
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